The Mother Hips have been one of the most underrated bands for years. After a brief stint on Rick Rubin’s label, American Recordings, the Bay Area quartet has had a consistent output of California soul. I’ve always wondered why these guys never get consistent airplay on a station like Chicago’s XRT who has a pretty eclectic playlist as far as terrestrial stations go. Hopefully Pacific Dust changes things.
The second tune on the album, a rocker titled “Third Floor Story,” seems to wrap up my frustrations in a very apt way. I mean for the love of God, what else do they have to do to get noticed? Everybody (myself included) is chasing the latest flavor while Tim Bluhm & Greg Loiacano continue to churn out amazing album after amazing album for 18 fucking years.
Later Days had always been my favorite Hips release but Pacific Dust now sits comfortable atop the pile. “Jess Oxox” has a nice Beatles lick in it. “Young Charles Ives” is a great ballad about a father and son’s relationship through music. “All In Favor” has that 70’s AM feel to it, and lest we forget the opening rocker “White Falcon Fuzz.” Not only is this my favorite Hips album but its one of my favorites of ‘09.
While some people will be awed by the latest technological jibber-jabber or some assclowns playing loud fuzzed up garage rock, I’ll stick with a band that continues to get better after 18 years. They’ll be in Chicago at Schuba’s on 11/20 and 11/21 with Backyard Tire Fire. We also have them scheduled for a live session.
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Mother Hips – White Falcon Fuzz
Video: Mother Hips – Third Floor Story
{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
Right on and well said, Woody. So many of us feel exactly the same way.
Definatley. Under-rated to the max. These guys are wicked. You hit the nail right on the head!
Great Album. Love these guys, solid band. No credit.
Saw my first show in 96′ Been Hipped ever since. Those who hear them, never under rate them.
Agree with everyone. Great live show. I would also highly recommend Tim Bluhm’s solo album, California Way.
sweet, I’ve never ever heard of this band before. They’re definitely pros. “White Falcon Fuzz” is definitely the best of the two here. On the whole, they remind me a little bit of Tom Petty and the Heartbreakers, and a little bit of Ryan Adams and the Cardinals circa “Cold Roses”, but definitely scuzzier and rawer – maybe Tom Petty meets Ladyhawk (not the electronica/dance artist, but the garage rock band that dig “the Dugout”, which, coincidentally, is also an amazing song).
Pacific Dust- The name says it all! A sprinkling of Magic dust from the Hips. Having seen them live probably close to 100 times -and having a personal knowledge of almost every song Tim and Greg have ever written, this record comes as no suprise. Melodic, edgy, 60’s heavy, 70’s, modern rock, Beatles meet the Beach Boys! The whole thing can only be summed up as quite simply a friggan musical materpiece! Bravo gentlemen! You have done it again. This record is unbelievable! I love it!
Listened to the album for the first time yesterday. Really good. Bands don’t really make albums like this anymore. I’m excited to have them in the studio for a session today!
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